Durva Ashtami, a unique Hindu festival, is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2024, Durva Ashtami falls on Wednesday, September 11. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 11:11 PM on September 10 and ends at 11:46 PM on September 11. The Purva Viddha time, considered auspicious for performing the puja, is from 06:05 AM to 06:31 PM, giving a duration of 12 hours and 26 minutes.
Significance of Durva Ashtami
Durva Ashtami is primarily observed by women and is celebrated with much enthusiasm, especially in eastern regions of India, such as West Bengal, where it is known as ‘Durvashtami Brata.’ The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Durva grass, which is considered sacred in Hindu rituals. The term 'Durva' is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'duhu' and 'avam,' symbolising purity and spiritual significance. Durva grass is believed to bring the spiritual particles (pavitraks) of deities closer to the devotees. It consists of three blades, representing the principles of Ganesha, Shakti, and Shiva.
In Hindu mythology, Durva grass has a special connection with Lord Ganesha. It is believed that offering Durva grass to Ganesha helps in attracting the Ganesha principle, bringing peace and prosperity to the worshippers. The tender shoots of Durva are used in most Hindu rituals as they can absorb the principles of deities, benefitting the worshipper spiritually.
According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon named Analasura who terrorised the heavens by spewing fire from his eyes, destroying everything in his path. The deities sought help from Lord Ganesha, who assured them of restoring peace. During the battle, Analasura attacked Ganesha with fireballs. To combat this, Ganesha revealed his ‘viraat roop’ (immense form) and swallowed the demon. However, this caused extreme heat in Ganesha's body, making him restless.
In an attempt to cool him down, the Moon God stood on Ganesha's head, earning him the name Balachandra. Lord Shiva tied a cobra around Ganesha's belly, and Lord Vishnu offered a lotus, but neither worked. Finally, some sages placed 21 Durvas on Ganesha's head, which immediately dissipated the heat. Ganesha then declared that anyone who worships him with Durva grass would receive his blessings, along with peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Legend of Durva Grass
The origin of Durva grass is rooted in Hindu legend. It is believed that Durva grass emerged from Lord Vishnu’s hair. During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), when Vishnu was supporting Mount Mandara, a few strands of his hair fell to the ground and turned into Durva grass. After the Samudra Manthan, when the Devas and Asuras were carrying the 'Amrit' (nectar of immortality), a few drops fell on the Durva grass, making it immortal and auspicious.
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